Hoosier Pass in Colorado

The Complete Guide (By Coloradans)

Hoosier Pass in Colorado - Full Guide to Everything You Should Know

The Complete Guide to Hoosier Pass, With Expert Advice From Coloradans

Hoosier Pass in Colorado: it’s a common route for skiers and other outdoors adventurers to access Breckenridge without having to sit in i70 traffic (and it’s the highest point on the TransAmerica Bike Route, spanning across the US). But if you ask us, as Coloradans who’ve explored this route many-a-time, it’s also one of the prettiest scenic drives in the area, with access to iconic hikes (hello, Quandary Peak!) and epic views of multiple 14’ers.

Hoosier Pass is extremely accessible to Breckenridge, Colorado, making it a perfect addition to your itinerary if you’re visiting in town. And if you want to explore some of the best parts of the state, the pass is an excellent gateway to central Colorado, where you’ll come across some of the less-visited (but even more epic) CO mountain villages.

As Coloradans who know this pass and the general area like the backs of our hands, we’re sharing the must-know details about visiting, along with plenty of photos of Hoosier Pass from our adventures.

And of course, we’ll also include recommendations for other epic spots throughout Colorado that aren’t far from Hoosier Pass, so you can explore more than just the Breckenridge area.

Note: There is another Hoosier Pass in Colorado, near Cripple Creek in Teller County. That’s not the location this guide is about. We’re focusing on the Hoosier Pass located in between the towns of Alma and Breckenridge, Colorado.

Disclosure: We’ve included lodging and gear recommendations in this guide to Hoosier Pass in Colorado. If you choose to book or buy through our links, we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. Shopping through these links helps support our small Colorado business and allows us to continue creating this free content.

All recommendations in our Hoosier Pass guide are crafted with love and expertise, from platforms we use and trust for our own adventures, both in the Rockies and beyond.

Where in Colorado is Hoosier Pass?

Directions To The Pass, From Both Ends

The directions from Breckenridge, Colorado (the north end of the pass) to Hoosier Pass are super simple. If you’re on S. Main St. (as the name implies, the main road in town), simply drive south toward Blue River and this road will turn into Hoosier Pass.

It’s about a 10 mile drive from the heart of Breckenridge, Colorado to the summit of Hoosier Pass. You’ll see the summit parking lot (with the Continental Divide + elevation sign) on the right hand side of the road.

If you want to access Hoosier Pass from the south end, you’ll need to come through Alma, Colorado. Most people will be doing this from Denver, via 285. Take 285 south all the way to Fairplay, where you’ll hang a right onto CO-9 (which is Hoosier Pass).

This road will take you over to Alma, Colorado, and from Alma, it’s a little less than 6 miles to get to the summit of Hoosier Pass. When coming from this end, the summit parking lot will be on your left.

GPS Coordinates (summit of Hoosier Pass): 39.361689, -106.062946
Nearest Towns: Alma and Breckenridge, Colorado
Hoosier Pass Length (the road, not the loop trail): 14.4 miles (this is from the south edge of Breckenridge to the north edge of Alma, Colorado)
Hoosier Pass Elevation: 11,539 ft
Cell Service: Don’t expect cell service in several portions of this mountain pass. We highly advise carrying a satellite communication device like this brand we use, especially if you plan on hiking, camping, biking, or backcountry skiing.

When Is Hoosier Pass Open?

And Does It Ever Close?

Hoosier Pass in Colorado is open year-round, but can close temporarily due to inclement weather, especially in the winter months when intense snow storms can blow through the high alpine and make this road quite treacherous.

While Hoosier Pass is a paved road and is plowed and maintained in the colder months, it can still be a dangerous drive when snow and ice are present.

An AWD vehicle or 4WD vehicle with all-weather or snow tires with a mud/snow designation is ideal. If you’re driving a 2WD vehicle, you’ll either want those same tires or you’ll want to equip your car with tire chains.

Note: Colorado can implement its chain law at any time during inclement weather, so having a vehicle with the necessary tires and/or chain gear will be crucial when driving Hoosier Pass.

For anyone who isn’t used to driving snowy mountain roads, just know this. We live in Colorado and have driven Hoosier Pass in the winter, and we’ve seen lots of local drivers become pretty aggressive on these roads towards out of state or rental vehicles.

It’s common to see cars getting tailed up and down the mountain, which is doubly dangerous in the winter. Local drivers are some of the worst culprits for reckless driving on our mountain roads, so if this makes you uncomfortable (and we don’t blame you…it drives us nuts when we see it!), waiting for the warmer months is a much safer bet.

Should You Bother With Hoosier Pass?

Our Honest Thoughts As Coloradans

If you’re staying in Breckenridge, Colorado, Hoosier Pass truly needs to be on your list. It’s one of our favorite things to do in the area.

It’s a scenic drive that gets you excellent views of several 14’ers (Quandary Peak, Mount Lincoln, Mount Democrat, and Mount Bross). Plus, it’s the perfect connecting route to some of our favorite less-busy areas in central Colorado (we’re particularly partial to the Collegiate Peaks near Buena Vista).

Curious How You Can Find The Best Views in Colorado?

There’s nothing quite like road tripping through Colorado. In fact, some of our most epic views are tucked away on mountain roadside pull-offs and hiking trails outside of our many mountain villages.

In our complete CO road trip itinerary, we share our ultimate 2-3 week plan to see the best our state has to offer.

The Top Season to Drive Hoosier Pass

As is common with a lot of high alpine locations throughout Colorado, summer really is the best season to get the most out of this mountain pass.

While Hoosier Pass is open year-round, camping and hiking opportunities are much more accessible in the summer (and by summer, we mean late June, as snowfields can take a long time to melt in the high alpine and can sometimes even push into July). In addition to that, the roads are going to be the most accessible, as snow can really happen at any time on these mountain passes but is least common in July and August.

If we could give an ideal time window to capitalize on when Hoosier Pass in Colorado is its most lush and green (and when you’ll have the best chance of spotting those iconic Colorado wildflowers), we’d aim for late June (if you want to still see some snow on the mountain peaks) through very early August (further into August, everything begins drying and browning out).

It’s worth noting: like we mentioned earlier, Hoosier Pass in Colorado is open year round. But if you’re not accustomed to driving switchback-heavy mountain roads with steep grades in snowy and icy conditions, we’d advise you hold off until later in the year.

The north side of Hoosier Pass (on the Breckenridge, Colorado end) has several winding switchbacks as you make your way into Blue River and then into Breckenridge. You need to know how to handle these in winter conditions, whether it’s with an AWD vehicle or with tire chains.

Also, if you plan on hiking Hoosier Pass Loop trail in the winter (or any trail along this pass), do not underestimate the avalanche risk. There have been fatalities in this area on trails that many would consider tame…it’s always possible at these elevations, and can happen even on less steep trails.

If you’re venturing out on any hiking trail or doing any backcountry skiing along Hoosier Pass in Colorado, it’s highly recommended you have the proper avalanche training and emergency communication equipment.

Hoosier Pass Colorado Pro Tip: Curious why we don’t recommend spring? This is heavy mud season in the mountains of Colorado, making high alpine spots like Hoosier Pass less than ideal. Think slushy and muddy trails, highly unpredictable weather (March can actually be one of our snowiest months and April/May can never decide what it wants to do).

If the snow melts enough, everything is still dry and brown from the cold and doesn’t really green up until closer to summer, so you don’t get those iconic views. All in all, spring is hands-down our least favorite season, both on Hoosier Pass and also in other high alpine Colorado locations.

As for fall, the south side of Hoosier Pass (near Alma, Colorado) has some gorgeous aspen groves where you can see the fall colors. But if you’re really into leaf peeping, you’ve got better options. We’d recommend trying nearby Boreas Pass in Breckenridge (this is an iconic, but very busy, spot!) or Guanella Pass near Georgetown (about 45 min from Breck…this one is our personal fave for fall).

How to Avoid Crowds On Hoosier Pass in Colorado (While Also Getting the Best Views)

We’re photographers, so knowing how to avoid crowds while also getting the best photos of these epic outdoors locations is kind of our specialty. Here’s how you can accomplish that on Hoosier Pass in Colorado.

Sure, some people may give the advice to come during the off-season, and yes, that’ll work for avoiding people. But the views won’t be nearly as iconic (remember what we said earlier about spring and how messy it can be?).

For the best photos of Hoosier Pass, the key is to come either at sunrise or sunset. This gets you in the golden hour window, when the light is warm and glowing. You’ll notice pretty much all photos in this guide were taken near or around golden hour.

The perk of these times? Most people frankly don’t want to get up for sunrise, so this time is amazing for having several popular spots along Hoosier Pass in Colorado nearly all to yourself. Plus, sunrise has the most predictable weather, particularly in the summer when afternoon storms are common. As for sunset, most people are back in town for dinner, rather than on the mountain.

But aside from time of day, you can also seriously cut down on the crowds on Hoosier Pass by traveling this route in the middle of the week (we typically advise Tuesday through Thursday for the least crowds).

The Best Hikes on Hoosier Pass in Colorado

We highly recommend planning a hike while exploring Hoosier Pass in Colorado. These are a few top-notch options to consider:

Hoosier Pass Loop Trail – Arguably our favorite hike along Hoosier Pass, you can access the trailhead right at the summit parking lot. It’s 2.8 miles long, with only 688 ft of elevation gain. Translation: a nice moderate hike with ridiculously gorgeous mountain views. Note: while it is a shorter hike without much gain, it starts at over 11K elevation, which requires getting acclimated. This can make it slightly more challenging.
Hoosier Ridge Hiking Trail – The trailhead for this one is located on the opposite side of the Hoosier Pass summit parking loot. It’s only 1.6 miles (again, starting at over 11K, though, so make sure you’re acclimated). It has only 331 feet of elevation gain, and you’re treated to dreamy mountain vistas. Total bang for your buck.
Quandary Peak Hiking Trail – One of the most popular 14’ers in all of Colorado, and also considered one of the easier ones (albeit, not easy if you’re not an avid hiker or not acclimated to the elevation).
McCullough Gulch Hiking Trail – This Hoosier Pass hike is for the alpine lake lovers among us. It’s located on the Breckenridge side of the pass, super close to town. And while it’s on the more moderately long side (a bit over 6 miles, with over 1.6K feet of elevation gain), the views are worth it.

Parking Note: Due to their popularity, both the Quandary and McCullough Gulch hikes along Hoosier Pass either require you to get a parking reservation or take the shuttle during the peak summer season.

Hiking Pro Tip: If you plan on doing any hikes that go above tree line, it’s highly recommended you opt for sunrise over sunset.

This is particularly relevant for super high elevation hikes along Hoosier Pass like Hoosier Pass Loop Trail (at the summit of the pass) or Quandary (a 14’er). With 14’ers in particular, you’ll want to start well before sunrise, as they’re more time-consuming, given the limited oxygen at higher elevations and the generally longer length.

So why sunrise? Afternoon thunder and lightning storms are super common in the summers in Colorado, and at high elevations they can be life-threatening.

Gear We Recommend When Doing These Hikes Along Hoosier Pass in Colorado

If you plan on completing any of our recommended Hoosier Pass hikes, these are the bare minimum gear essentials we’d advise packing:

Sunscreen – As a general rule, the sun is just more intense in Colorado, and the higher you go up in elevation, the more true that is (especially above tree line, which many hikes along Hoosier Pass are). It’s so much easier to burn. This is the sunscreen we’re in love with and always having in our hiking packs. The brand also has an awesome one for the face that doesn’t leave that annoying white cast or clog pores (a true miracle, if you ask us).
Satellite Communication Device – Our Garmin comes with us on pretty much all our hikes, especially ones where there is limited to no cell service (super common on these Hoosier Pass hikes). With it we can send out an SOS or keep in touch with loved ones with trail updates. This is a serious must-have particularly during avalanche season on the pass.
Headlamp – As a general rule, having a headlamp is a good idea when hiking, but it’s crucial when hiking before sunrise or after sunset. If you’re summiting Quandary Peak, you need one. This is the headlamp we personally use, and we’ve tested several over the years. It has a solid high beam and doesn’t run out of battery super quickly like some of the other high intensity headlamps. Added perk: it’s not as pricey as the comparable options.
Water – Don’t mess around with elevation headaches. Pack that Nalgene bottle or have a hydration bladder in your hiking pack. Your body can get dehydrated faster at higher altitudes, so it’s essential you come prepared. Obviously, ask your doctor in advance, but electrolyte packets are also a great option to replenish your body if you’re doing a hike that requires a good bit of sweating and exertion.

Other gear we love bringing with us when doing hikes on Hoosier Pass are hand and foot warmers (yes, it can get quite chilly even in summer at these altitudes) and a reliable lightweight puffer jacket (at high enough elevations over 11K, you can expect temps in the 30’s and 40’s before the sun comes up, even in months like July and August).

On A Mission To Summit All Of Colorado's 14'ers?

Is there anything better than taking note of all the summits you plan on tackling with a 14’er map or checklist? We’ve put together a collection of our fave 14’ers maps and posters, with designs we absolutely love.

What To Do In The Area That Isn't Directly On The Pass

With Hoosier Pass being located right outside of Breckenridge, Colorado, there’s a ton to do in the nearby area.

We’ve included a short list of some of our favorite recommendations below:

Unravel Coffee + Cabin Juice – located in the Gravity Haus hotel lobby, Unravel is hands-down our fave coffee shop in all of Breckenridge. Swing by for your morning caffeine fix after watching the sun rise on Hoosier Pass and then plan for dinner at Cabin Juice (also located in Gravity Haus). Normally we’re not ones to recommend hotel cafes or restaurants, but these are exceptions. So good.
Outer Range Brewing – considered one of the best breweries in the Frisco/Breckenridge area (heck, even in Colorado), this one is a must-stop if you love a good brew. Grab a drink, some bar snacks, and enjoy the mountain views from the second floor patio.
Sapphire Point Overlook – an easy and super accessible, short loop hike with stunning views of the Dillon Reservoir. If you don’t have time to tackle any of the hiking trails along Hoosier Pass, Sapphire Point is a solid place to get those classic Colorado views.
Take a Winter Sleigh Ride – winter in Breckenridge is a dream, and one of the most fun and exciting ways to experience it is through one of the many sleigh ride experiences offered. Such a fun addition to any trip.

The Best Places to Stay When Exploring Hoosier Pass

The Closest Towns to Hoosier Pass in Colorado

If you’re exploring Hoosier Pass in Colorado, the nearest towns are going to be Breckenridge on the north end and Alma and Fairplay on the south end.

These are the lodging options we’re loving in those areas:

Gravity Haus Breckenridge – Whenever anyone asks us where to stay in Breck, Gravity Haus is our #1 recommendation. It’s gorgeous, has great food and coffee on-site, and is ski-in/ski-out in the winter. Plus, it’s a little over 15 minutes from the hotel to the summit of Hoosier Pass.
Cute Mini Cabin in Alma – This cutie little cabin is the perfect stay for couples or solo travelers looking to explore Hoosier Pass. Tiny but mighty, you’ve got all the essentials: stove, microwave, fridge, washer/dryer.
Spacious Mountain Cabin With Dreamy Views near Fairplay – If you’re traveling with a large group, this is the perfect vacation rental. It sleeps 20, has a full kitchen, hot tub, and gorgeous views of nature from all around. You can access Hoosier Pass from the south end if you stay here, driving up through Alma.

Debating On The Best Time To Visit The Rockies (And Hoosier Pass)?

Colorado’s seasons are not as straightforward as many other places throughout the US, particularly if you’re visiting high alpine spots like Hoosier Pass. Our full guide to CO’s seasons explains all the must-know details you should be aware of before planning your travels.

Hoosier Pass Colorado FAQs

How Long Does It Take To Drive This Route?

To drive the entirety of Hoosier Pass, from the edge of Breckenridge, Colorado to the edge of Alma, it takes around 30 minutes at most. This is assuming clear weather conditions and no traffic, though, which is never a guarantee on this route.

Is Hoosier Pass a Scary Drive?

When it comes to Colorado mountain roads, Hoosier Pass sits somewhere in the middle: it’s not even remotely the scariest drive, but it’s also not the easiest either.

If winding, sharp switchbacks make you nervous, the Breckenridge side of Hoosier Pass can be scary. But overall, if you’re driving Hoosier Pass in the warmer months when the roads are clear, it’s not too bad (and that’s coming from someone who has a fear of heights).

That said, as we mentioned earlier in this article, the story of whether Hoosier Pass is scary is quite different in the winter months. This route is known for reckless drivers (and locals are some of the worst offenders), and that type of driving mixed with stormy winter conditions and limited visibility when it’s snowing can be problematic, to say the least.

Is Hoosier Pass Steep?

Yes, there are sections of Hoosier Pass that can get quite steep (we’re talking up to 8% grades). Most of the steep sections are on the Breckenridge side, which is also the more trafficked half of the road.

Road Conditions - Is Hoosier Pass in Colorado Paved?

Yes, Hoosier Pass is a paved route, through and through. There are some residential areas off the pass that are dirt roads, but if you’re just trekking up and down the pass point-to-point, expect paved roads the entire way.

Is There Any Camping On Hoosier Pass?

If you want to get the best views Hoosier Pass in Colorado has to offer, why not camp directly on the pass? There’s an awesome dispersed camping area located right at the summit (39.362330, -106.063653). The road to access these sites is right off the summit parking lot.

Spots are limited and tend to fill up really quickly, so make sure to plan ahead. There are also no amenities, so you’ll need to bring your necessities and plan for no restrooms or running water.

Note: the National Forest Service generously allows dispersed camping on many public lands, but they’ve been known to revoke these privileges when these areas get trashed and misused. Please follow all fire bans in place (super common in the Colorado summers), avoid going off-trail when exploring the Hoosier Pass area, leave the wildflowers as-is, and clean up your campsite when you head out. That’s the only way we’ll get to keep using these gorgeous spots!

Think Colorado Could Be Home?

Living in CO is a dream, but it’s also not without its cons. Considering the move? We’re breaking down everything you should know before making the plunge.

Curious About What Other Epic Mountain Drives Are Not Too Far Away?

Let’s be honest, one mountain pass just isn’t enough. Exploring Colorado’s best mountain routes is kind of our thing, and these are some of our favorite ones that aren’t too far from Hoosier Pass:

Fremont Pass – This pass is home to some of our favorite hikes in the area. It’s a lesser-known pass, but the perfect gateway to some of the best spots in Colorado (hey, Leadville!).
Loveland Pass – A true Colorado icon, and a favorite for hikers (one of our top 13’er hikes, Mt Sniktau, is located on this road), backcountry skiers, and vacationers alike.
Cottonwood Pass – This one is, and always will be, in our top 3. Twisty, turning mountain roads with obscenely gorgeous mountain views? Check. A route to two of our favorite mountain towns in the state? Check. Tons of camping and hiking? Check and check. You can’t beat it.

And if you want to see more of the beauty Hoosier Pass in Colorado has to offer, scroll on down for more photos from our adventures.

We're Your Go-To Resource For Exploring Colorado

Hey! We’re Sheena and Ed, Colorado-based adventure photographers, hikers, adventurers, and outdoors advocates.

There’s nothing we love more than exploring and sharing all the details on the best spots in our great state. Traveling to CO soon? These are some of our favorite resources:

Is Rocky Mountain National Park on your bucket list? The park is basically our backyard, so if you’ve never been, check out our guide to the must-see spots in Rocky Mountain, where we cover the essentials for first-timers.
Curious about the best spots in all of Colorado? We’ve traveled and worked all throughout the state, and these are hands-down our fave CO mountain towns.

Hoosier Pass in Colorado

The Complete Guide (By Coloradans)